Best of the City: Shopping

Editors' Picks

New Vintage Store: Archive Vintage

Since it’s tucked into the back portion of Co-Star on South Congress, you might have missed Archive Vintage. But this hidden gem is definitely worth discovering. As you browse owner Kerry Bonnell’s incredible selection of vintage designer pieces from the 1960s through ’90s, you might stumble on a fabulous YSL jacket, a Thierry Mugler dress, a Gaultier turtleneck or Prada boots. No matter the find, your wardrobe will benefit from the new blast from the past.

New Boutique: Garment Modern + Vintage

It seems Masha Poloskova can do no wrong. After successfully opening Feathers Boutique and Moss Designer Consignment in 2005 and 2010, respectively, Poloskova parted ways with Feathers to debut Garment Modern + Vintage, a stellar half-vintage, half-contemporary boutique. With well-curated racks of unique vintage frocks from the likes of Chanel, Gucci and Missoni along with contemporary apparel, bags by Austin-based Finell and jewelry from independent designers such as Katie Diamond and Kathryn Bentley, the shop provides the best of both worlds.

New Jewelry Concept: Flash Tattoos

A favorite childhood activity evolved into the “it” trend of 2014: putting on temporary tattoos. Austin-based Flash Tattoos produces shiny, tribal-inspired jewelry tattoos that are applied with water, removed with baby oil and last for days—if not weeks. Celebrities from Sarah Jessica Parker to Vanessa Hudgens to Beyoncé have been spotted wearing the glitzy tats, and Brooklyn Decker even sported one in mustache form at ACL Fest. Well played, Mrs. Roddick.

New Bookstore: Malvern Books

As the proliferation of e-readers continues to alter the literary landscape, we loved seeing another independent bookstore open its doors in our city. Malvern Books has a great selection of mostly small-press fiction, poetry and graphic novels, along with plenty of seating for your reading pleasure. The store provides a hub for the local literary community, with author signings, reading groups, concerts and open-mic nights. Book lovers, rejoice.

New Crafting Concept: Craft

Remember how happy arts and crafts used to make you as a kid? Let your imagination soar once again at Craft, a walk-in, DIY studio filled with all the tools necessary to wrap presents with flair, create Pinterest-worthy holiday cards, decorate masks or even paint your own masterpiece. Best of all, your mom won’t be yelling for you to clean up after you’re done—they do it for you.

New Rising Star Designer: Lindsey Creel, M.E. Shirley

When Lindsey Creel designs her apparel, she envisions “a Brooklyn girl who goes on vacation to Marfa.” Creel, who named her brand in honor of her late great-grandmother, Mary Edna Shirley, was one of three recipients of the inaugural Austin Fashion Fund award at Austin Fashion Week this year. Her effortlessly chic pieces range from printed tops and high-waisted shorts in the summer to oversize linen button-ups and sweaters in the winter. They might just inspire a road trip.

New Shopping Concept: Design Lab

Shopping local has never been easier thanks to Design Lab. Founded by designer Linda Asaf, the boutique has clothing and accessories from more than 25 Texas-based brands, including labels Pearl Southern Couture, Valentina Shoes and Criquet. Design Lab also sponsors fashion camps, music series and art exhibits, giving shoppers the chance to further support local creatives.

New Home Accessory Store: Hacienda

Whether you’re decorating your domicile or shopping for the perfect housewarming gift, Hacienda has everything you need. The eclectic boutique in the 2nd Street District features globally inspired pieces that befit a modern ranch lifestyle. Shop for decorative throw pillows, tile coasters, Brazilian hide rugs, custom bed swings, stuffed animals or even a giant teepee play area for the kiddos. Hacienda’s stylish, sentimental items were made to turn a house into home, sweet home.

New Children’s Apparel: Wee Rascals

With all due respect to Batman and the Incredible Hulk, Kylie Clayborne and Liz Rich wanted their kids to have some real-life heroes to admire as well. Thus, they created Wee Rascals, an apparel company that features T-shirts and onesies with printed images of heroes such as Davy Crockett, Shakespeare, Joan of Arc and Susan B. Anthony. The clothing gives children an opportunity to learn about important figures at an early age—and the rest, as they say, is history.

New Designer: Kelly Wynne

Nicknamed “the accessories queen” by her friends, Kelly Wynne proved herself worthy of a crown this year. The handbag designer won a Rising Star Award at the Austin Fashion Awards, debuted a new evening bag collection called AfterGLOW, was featured in Southern Living and somehow still found the time to get married. Her eponymous line of clutches, satchels and bags shines in its versatility, with brightly colored and patterned bags that are classy enough for the office and sassy enough for a night on the town. Better yet, the brand is now available in 28 stores across the South. Looks like Wynne has the royal touch.

New Collective: WORK

Who knew WORK could be so much fun? This new collective on South Lamar provides a one-stop shop for clothing, home goods and creative inspiration. Browse chic women’s apparel at Hoiden, map out your brand strategy at Golden Eagle Creative or stock up on leather goods ranging from wallets to dopp kits to dog collars at Noah Marion Quality Goods. The collective also hosts monthly workshops, allowing customers to harness their own creative talents.